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Universal Orlando with Kids: Best Attractions, DreamWorks Land, Characters & Tips for Families 🎢✨

If you're planning a family getaway to Universal Orlando Resort, you might be wondering: Is it really kid-friendly? The answer is a big YES! With the addition of DreamWorks Land and the always entertaining Seuss Landing plus tons of kid-approved attractions, and meet-and-greets with beloved characters, Universal Orlando has become a top-tier destination for families.


Here’s your ultimate guide to Universal Orlando for families, packed with tips, tricks, must-dos, and insider advice to make your visit as magical and stress-free as possible.



🎠 Why Universal Orlando is Great for Families

Universal Orlando is home to four awesome parks:

  • Universal Studios Florida

  • Islands of Adventure

  • Volcano Bay (water park)

  • Epic Universe (opening May 22, 2025) home to How To Train Your Dragon Isle of Berk & Super Nintendo World - I'll share a post with our tips and tricks once we visit.


While thrill rides like VelociCoaster and The Incredible Hulk steal headlines, there are plenty of rides, shows, and play areas designed specifically for younger guests and their grownups.

And now, with the arrival of DreamWorks Land in 2024, Universal has fully embraced the kid-friendly experience!






🏰 What Is DreamWorks Land?

Replacing the former KidZone, DreamWorks Land is one of the biggest updates at Universal Studios for families in years. Inspired by Shrek, Trolls, and Kung Fu Panda, it features:

🌳 DreamWorks Land Highlights:

  • Shrek’s Swamp Meet – A whimsical space to meet Shrek, Donkey & Fiona

  • Trolls Trollercoaster – A vibrant family-friendly coaster with Poppy and friends

  • Po’s Kung Fu Training Camp – A wet-and-wild play zone with splash elements - literally perfect for summer in Orlando!

  • DreamWorks Character Zone – Interactive performances, music, and character moments all day

This area is pure gold for younger kids. Expect bright colors, familiar characters, interactive play areas and plenty of space to run around.





🧒 Best Rides for Younger Kids at Universal Orlando

Here’s a roundup of kid-friendly rides that don’t require tall height or a strong stomach:

Universal Studios Florida:

  • 🎬 E.T. Adventure – A gentle flying bike ride through outer space (nostalgia for you, magic for them!) - our girls ask to ride E.T. every time we visit!

  • 🐙 Despicable Me Minion Mayhem – A 3D simulator that’s super silly and fun

  • 🐾 Animal Actors on Location! – A hilarious live show featuring trained animals - this shaded theater is perfect for a cool break in the day that will leave everyone smiling

Islands of Adventure:

  • 🚂 The Hogwarts Express – A magical train ride connecting both parks (bonus: a break from walking)

  • 🦖 Pteranodon Flyers – A slow aerial glide over Jurassic Park (perfect for kids under 56”) - this ride you literally can ONLY ride if you have a kid! It's been one we dreamed of riding since before we had kids haha

  • 🌟 Caro-Seuss-el and One Fish, Two Fish – Whimsical Dr. Seuss rides in Seuss Landing - HOT TIP - Please do yourself a favor and listen to the directions on One Fish, Two Fish or you're bound to get soaking wet!

  • 📚 The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride! – A gentle tour above Seuss Landing with great views - This is always a must-do for our family! It's very slow moving and gives you some opportunities for gorgeous views, but the restraints look like roller coaster restrains, so it makes littles' feel like big kids!




📸 Must-Meet Characters for Kids

Your little ones will love the character interactions across the parks. Some of the most popular ones include:

  • 🧅 Shrek & Donkey (DreamWorks Land)

  • 💙 Trolls: Poppy & Branch

  • 👨‍🔬 Gru and the Minions

  • 🎩 Cat in the Hat and the Grinch

Pro Tip: Check the Universal Orlando app for character appearance times and locations.





Universal Orlando Tips & Tricks for Families

1. Stay On-Site for Extra Perks

  • Early park access (get into the Wizarding World before crowds)

  • Free transportation to the parks

  • Express Pass (included with Premier Hotels) = skip the regular lines

2. Download the Universal App

  • Real-time wait times

  • Show schedules

  • Interactive maps

  • Mobile food ordering

3. Use Child Swap on Bigger Rides

Parents can take turns riding thrill attractions while one stays with the kids—no need to wait twice! - Universal is AMAZING at child swap spaces! They're mostly airconditioned and right near the loading area of the attraction

4. Plan Breaks (and Snacks)

As you know, intense heat + tired feet = cranky kids. Plan downtime in shaded areas or indoor attractions like Cat in the Hat, Seuss Landing Splash Pad, and the Animal Actors on Location show.


5. Pack These Essentials:

  • Sunscreen, hats, refillable water bottles

  • Ponchos (Florida rain is no joke!)

  • Swimsuits and dry clothes for splash areas

  • Stroller (or rent one at the park)




🍕 Best Eats for Picky Eaters

Kid-approved dining options include:

  • 🍗 Three Broomsticks – Surprisingly great family meals (plus Butterbeer!)

  • 🍕 Louie’s Italian Restaurant – Pizza, pasta, simple eats - their chicken caesar salad is my fav - it's freshly tossed to order and it's way better than the standard prepackaged park salad!

  • 🌮 Green Eggs and Ham Café – Tater tot creations, you can get a can of Who Hash

  • 🍦 Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlour – A sweet reward after surviving the heat

Bonus: Universal allows outside snacks and baby food (no full meals though).





🧳 Final Thoughts: Is Universal Orlando Worth It for Families with Kids?

Absolutely! With the addition of DreamWorks Land, plus tons of family-friendly rides, shows, and characters, Universal Orlando is now a top family destination alongside Disney. With a little planning, you'll create a trip full of laughter, magic, and moments your kids will never forget.


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